cog/Frameworks/Sparkle

Sparkle

is an easy-to-use software update framework for Cocoa developers.

Changes since 1.5b

• Up-to-date with 10.10 SDK and Xcode 6. Supports OS X 10.7+.
• Cleaned up and modernized code, using ARC and Autolayout.
• Merged bugfixes, security fixes and some features from multiple Sparkle forks.
• Truly automatic background updates (no UI at all) when user agreed to "Automatically download and install updates in the future."
• Ability to mark updates as critical.
• Progress and status notifications for the host app.
• Name of finish_installation.app can be configured to match your app's name.

Features

• True self-updating—the user can choose to automatically download and install all updates.
• Displays a detailed progress window to the user.
• Supports authentication for installing in secure locations.
• Supports Apple code signing and DSA signatures for ultra-secure updates.
• Easy to install. Sparkle requires no code in your app, so it's trivial to upgrade or remove the framework.
• Uses appcasts for release information. Appcasts are supported by 3rd party update-tracking programs and websites.
• Displays release notes to the user via WebKit.
• Sparkle doesn't bug the user until second launch for better first impressions.
• Seamless integration—there's no mention of Sparkle; your icons and app name are used.
• Deep delegate support to make Sparkle work exactly as you need.
• Optionally sends system information to the server when checking for updates.
• Supports bundles, preference panes, plugins, and other non-.app software. Can install .pkg files for more complicated products.
• Supports branches due to minimum OS version requirements.